Latest news with #Shareda
Daily Express
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Stronger focus on market research for members
Published on: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 28, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Many developers and investors may not be fully aware of the banking products and facilities available to support their ventures. Hence, Shareda will work closely with financial institutions to create clear information resources on these offerings, including financing structures, incentives and risk management. - FMT pic for illustration only. Kota Kinabalu: Johnny said his vision also includes a stronger focus on market research and data-driven decision-making for members. 'We also aim to reduce property overhang by guiding developers on what types of residential and commercial projects are most viable, based on current and forecasted market conditions,' he said. As a private sector body, Johnny said they couldn't control policy, but they could support their members with solid market research to help them align their developments with actual demand. 'Development is a key economic catalyst. When a project begins, it spurs multiple sectors — from main contractors and suppliers to marketers and digital agencies. The third vision, he said, is for Shareda to embrace digital transformation and enhance support for its members through improved market intelligence, digital accessibility, and stronger engagement with financial institutions. 'We plan to create a centralised, members-only digital platform where developers can easily access the latest government policies, regulatory updates, market research, and technical resources without the need to physically attend meetings. Advertisement 'Once logged in with a secure password, members will be able to view important updates anytime from anywhere. This ensures they stay informed and agile in a fast-moving environment,' Johnny said. Recognising that financing and construction are the two largest cost centres for any development, he said Shareda will focus on deepening collaboration with banks and financial institutions. 'Many developers and investors may not be fully aware of the banking products and facilities available to support their ventures. Hence, Shareda will work closely with financial institutions to create clear information resources on these offerings, including financing structures, incentives and risk management. 'We will initiate more dialogues with banks to help developers better understand financing options and products. We also plan to make these resources accessible digitally so that our members can explore financing tools that best fit their projects. 'With better financial access and real-time intelligence, our members will be able to undertake projects more efficiently, with fewer delays and more confidence,' Johnny said. 'This will be a platform not just for guidance but for sharing innovative construction practices that can reduce costs while improving quality and delivery timelines,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Uncontested Johnny Wong leads Shareda
Published on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 27, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Chua (third right, seated) showing thumbs up with Shareda's new elected president Datuk Johnny Wong and its new Council members 2025-2027. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda) announced that Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee will helm the association as President for the 2025–2027 term, following an uncontested election held in its 37th AGM here on Saturday. Its Immediate Past President Datuk Sr Chua Soon Ping said this year's Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held as a full physical event, in line with the requirement for a voting process to elect new office bearers and deliberate motions. However, he said when the nomination period officially closed on May 8, all candidates for the upcoming term, including the incoming President and his council team, were confirmed unopposed. 'I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our incoming President-elect 2025-2027, Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee, who will be taking over the helm. 'His uncontested election — along with the return of his entire team — clearly reflects the membership's confidence and trust in his leadership and vision,' said Chua. He said Johnny will officially assume office alongside his newly confirmed council team, taking over the reins as Shareda continues to address industry challenges and build collaborative ties between developers, government and the community. Advertisement 'I am confident that under his (Johnny) stewardship, our Association will continue to reach greater heights,' Chua said. The transition signals continuity and stability for Shareda as it moves forward with its mission of promoting responsible and sustainable development across Sabah's real estate sector. Over the past term (2023-2025), Chua said Shareda had made significant progress on several key fronts and achieved some good results. 'First was the implementation of a new policy on house lot ownership by Bumiputera status buyers which was approved by the Sabah Cabinet, with effect on Dec 1, 2024. 'There are four key policy changes as below: 30pc allocation to Bumiputera buyers – Developers must allocate 30pc of houses to Bumiputera buyers who can now choose their house lot. Developers will report sales every six month Discounts for bumiputera buyers – A 5pc discount remains, with any additional discounts to non-Bumiputera buyers added to this total (e.g. 15pc discounts to non-Bumiputera = 20pc for Bumiputera buyers). The most glaring key policy is the Abolition of Re-sale Restriction – Bumiputera buyers can re-sell their homes freely without approval. Pre-existing restrictions can be lifted upon applications. Conditions for releasing 30pc Quota – The release application can only be considered after the housing development has reached the level of 50pc completion for landed property development or 20pc completion for high-rise building development. Chua said these new changes are applicable for Ministry of Local Government and Housing (KKTP) Advertisement Permit and Developer's Licence (APDL) licences ONLY and not for Native Titles (NT). Another change was based on KKTP's Circular No. 1/2025, a new implementation policy for Affordable Housing (AH) approved by the Sabah Cabinet meeting Series 04/2025, this year. 'We achieved alignment of Sabah's AH guidelines with the Federal specifications – a significant step in ensuring housing development in Sabah meets equitable and sustainable standards. 'This puts us on a more level playing field with West Malaysia and provides clarity to both developers and planners. 'Based on the circular under Schedule A, there are different range of affordable housing prices based on the areas - the housing prices in rural areas cannot be more than RM220,000, housing prices in suburb or City outskirts must not be more than RM300,000 while in the City area, the housing prices cannot be more than RM380,000. 'As for the built-up area of the AH house has been set at a maximum of 850 sq ft with three rooms and two bathrooms,' Chua said. He said there was also a new set of guidelines for Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home (Sabah-MM2H)– Acquisition of properties in Sabah to foreign investors, which was tailored for Sabah, aligning them more closely with national standards to ensure Sabah does not miss out on this economic opportunity. He said there is a website link: to get more information on the guidelines.
Daily Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Shareda unable to build PPR units due to squatters
Published on: Monday, May 26, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 26, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Chua said squatter issues are not confined to Sepanggar. - Pic (right) for illustration only. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda) is unable to proceed with plans to build thousands of People's Housing Programme (PPR) units in Sepanggar due to unresolved squatter issues on the allocated 70-acre site. Immediate Past President Datuk Sr Chua Soon Ping said under the agreement with the State Government last year, Shareda is supposed to provide basic housing for B40 people in the State. However, the site is occupied by thousands of squatters who need to be evicted first. He said only political can solve the problem for the B40. 'We still want to do this project. But the huge presence of squatters is the biggest problem in some of the areas. 'The site is occupied by squatters where some are locals but mostly illegals. Shareda cannot evict them. Support from DBKK, civil authorities and the state government is needed to move out the squatters. Advertisement 'Eviction isn't something the private sector can carry out. It must be a coordinated, humane process and have to find alternative accommodation, which is beyond us (Shareda),' he said. Chua said this at a press conference after Shareda's 32nd annual meeting which saw the election of new President Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee, Saturday. He was commenting on the status of the project to build affordable housing including PPR units in Sabah to complement noble efforts of national government to build 500,000 PPR units of houses for B40 people in the country by year 2025. Chua said a government task force meant to address the situation but had yet to be formed. 'The Chief Minister and the State Secretary (SKN) have to initiate it. 'The site is State land currently under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry and must be rezoned to be used for building affordable housing before building the PPR units can begin,' he said. Despite these setbacks, Chua reaffirmed Shareda's commitment to seeing the project through. 'We are eager to start, but political will is essential. We're working behind the scenes to assist where we can,' he said. Chua also disclosed a recent federal government decision to raise the ceiling price for affordable homes (PPR units) from RM300,000 to RM380,000. 'It's due to escalating building material costs. The unit size remains at 850 square feet, but construction feasibility required the price revision. 'It's not just in Sabah, its whole Malaysia,' he said, adding that the new limit applies to urban (bandar) areas with definitions still pending clarification. Chua said squatter issues are not confined to Sepanggar. 'Even in Tuaran and foreshore reserves, squatter settlements have become a recurring problem. They often return after eviction 'While some of the squatters are local, the majority are not, which adds to the complexity. This is a bottleneck problem that cannot be solved overnight,' he said.
Daily Express
24-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sustainable buildings necessary: Mustaza
Published on: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 24, 2025 Text Size: Mustaza said their green building certification system was developed in collaboration with CIDB Malaysia and BCA Singapore. GREENRE SDN BHD Director Datuk Mustaza Mohamad said it is Malaysia's leading green building certification body, with a portfolio of almost 1000 projects and more than 300 million square feet of certified real estate since formed in 2014. In Sabah alone, he said they have 20 registered projects, of which 11 have been certified and its strength lies in balancing innovation with accessibility—making green development achievable, not just aspirational. 'Sustainable building practices are no longer just a trend; they are a necessity for the future of our planet. Malaysia has set a net zero target by 2050 and greening the built environment is a crucial part of achieving this target. 'Green buildings not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the quality of life for their occupants by promoting energy efficiency, reducing operational costs, and fostering healthier living spaces,' Mustaza said. He said their green building certification system was developed in collaboration with CIDB Malaysia and BCA Singapore. 'We know that green building isn't a one-size-fits-all model. What works in Peninsula may not translate directly to East Malaysia. Advertisement 'That's why local partnerships like this one with Shareda are so important. They allow us to customise support, provide targeted capacity-building, and co-create solutions that work on the ground. 'Our collaboration with Shareda will focus on several key objectives: Creating awareness and education platforms around sustainable development. Providing technical guidance and support to Shareda members pursuing GreenRE certification. 'Offering 20pc discounted certification fees and exclusive member pricing for training and capacity-building programs,' Mustaza said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
24-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Green development, dispute resolution: Shareda inks MoUs with GreenRE, Bicam
Published on: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 24, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Chua (second right) showing the signed document with Ho (second left) and Wong (third left). Kota Kinabalu: Sabah developers are set to benefit from two major initiatives with the signing of two crucial Memoranda of Understanding with Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda) aimed at promoting sustainable green development and streamlining dispute resolution processes. Shareda's President Datuk Sr Chua Soon Ping said it marked a new chapter in the growth and development of Sabah's housing and real estate industry, 'The first was signed with GreenRE Sdn Bhd, a leading Malaysian certification body that advocates sustainable and environmentally friendly building practices. 'The partnership aims to encourage developers in Sabah to adopt green standards in their projects, aligning with the global push for sustainable development,' he said at the signing recently witnessed by Datuk Dr Roland Chia, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister at Bay Suites. The event was attended by Bicam Chairman Tan Sri David Wong Dak Wah, Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association (Rehda) Dato' Ir. Ho Hon Sang, GreenRE Sdn Bhd Director Datuk Mustaza Bin Mohamad, its director Dato' Rick Cheng Wooi Seng, industry leaders and government officials. Chua said GreenRE certification provides a platform for developers to build homes and projects that are not only energy-efficient but also environmentally responsible. Advertisement He said this is crucial for Sabah, as they continue to grow and develop their cities and communities while being mindful of the long-term health of environment. 'By participating in GreenRE certification, developers in Sabah will be able to make a significant contribution to reducing the carbon footprint of their projects and create greener, healthier living spaces for our communities. 'More importantly, it positions Sabah on the map as a State that leads in sustainable development, setting an example for others to follow. 'The impact of this initiative will be felt with benefits such as lower operational costs, increased property values and better quality of life,' Chua said. The second MoU was signed with Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (Bicam), a platform offering alternative dispute resolution tailored for the housing and real estate sector. 'In a world where legal disputes are often time-consuming, costly, and cumbersome, Bicam provides more efficient and amicable solution through mutual agreements, faster and more cost-effective, avoiding lengthy court proceedings, 'This initiative will serve as a valuable tool for developers, contractors, and stakeholders to address legal matters quickly and effectively, ensuring that projects stay on track and relationships remain intact,' he said. Chua said this would help mitigate conflicts and contribute to smoother operations within the housing and real estate sector. He said property industry players in Sabah can focus more on delivering high-quality and sustainable developments rather than being bogged down by legal delays. Bicam's Wong said the MoU with Shareda represents their shared belief that the development industry deserves practical, accessible solutions for dispute resolution. As construction and real estate projects grow in complexity, he said the potential for disputes also grows, which they do not have to become roadblocks as they can be managed—and resolved—early, fairly, and cost-effectively. Through this MoU, he said Bicam and Shareda will work together to: Organise joint forums, training sessions, and technical talks, Encourage the use of mediation, arbitration, and expert determination in resolving disputes, Facilitate the exchange of publications and best practices, And create a culture of early intervention and constructive dialogue. The former Chief Judge for Sabah and Sarawak said the MoU aims at creating strategic alignment that allows them to serve the industry better, and to empower Shareda members with tools to resolve issues professionally and confidently. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
